Paris is undergoing a renaissance, from the museums to the streets. Known for terrible traffic along the riverbanks, the expressway has been redone and now features wide walkways and cycling lanes. Complete with floating gardens and artificial islands, the once congested streets are now a peaceful promenade. In the Louvre, a new Islamic art gallery was added with a flourish and a flying carpet, (it hangs from the ceiling), and Notre Dame got a makeover with nine new chimes. The Musée Picassso is now housed in a 17th century Marais mansion, after extensive renovations. A new year, a new look for the world's most beautiful city.

It’s like this tiny, picturesque island is stuck in another era, one of 19th century wealth and beauty. Founded by Spanish conquistadors 500 years ago, it’s full of porcelain, marble, and arcing ceilings. A sugar boom in the 1800s brought planation money, as well as slavery. This mix of classic European elegance with Afro-Cuban dance, percussion, food and culture, is what makes Trinidad so special. Decadence by day, raucous dance halls by night.

Everyone knows that Capetown is beautiful, but as World Design Capital in 2014, it’s about to get even prettier. Industrial districts such as The Fringe and Woodstock will undergo a revamp, and green sculptures and gardens will take over parks. The design team hopes to reach its more desolate populations through the project, including innovative designs in disadvantaged areas outside of the city. A new bus system, (and a nice one at that), is the first in public transport for the city. Enjoy it!

Riga doesn’t get much credit, but back in the day it was the intersection of Europe’s great empires. Today it’s chic, with a savvy hipster vibe. The city’s ancient facades have been restored to their former, glorious beauty, and new restaurants and cafes are popping up everywhere. It makes sense, as Riga is the European Capital of Culture 2014. Don’t miss out.

Zurich isn’t usually synonymous with risk, thrill, or speed, but that’s changing in 2014, as the city hosts the European Atheletics Championships in August. Surprisingly, the nightlife in Zurich gets crazy, proving that yes, bankers can have fun too. Famous fashion houses, boutiques, and fine-dining establishments add decadence to the debauchery.

Shanghai is the new city to see and be seen in. The buzz is catching. Its new metro system spans 59 km, (the third longest in the world), and runs and incredibly high speeds, and the soon to be completed Shanghai Tower will twist up 121 stories, making it the tallest building in China and the second-tallest in the world. Best of all, Shanghai has a 72 hour visa-free transit option for citizens from 45 nations, so you can stop by for a weekend on your way through Asia if a Chinese visa is too difficult to obtain.

Vancouver is staggeringly beautiful, exerting its influence on travlers through soaring mountains, endless evergreen parks and pure, sandy beaches. It’s a big city with a small town feel and an emphasis on physical activity. Hiking, running, biking, swimming, skiing – name it and Vancouver’s got it. The Cypress, Seymour and Grouse mountains are a perfect day trip for trekking, skiing or snowboarding. After a day of activity, stock up on calories at the Richmond Night Market, where you’ll find North America’s best Chinese food.

There is nothing so Midwestern, or so wonderful, as sitting in the bleachers of Wrigley Field, beer and Chicago style hot dogs in full supply, and watching the Cubs. It doesn’t matter if they win, (and they rarely do), the fans are steadfast and endearing, and the baseball park is an American icon. Wrigley Field turns 100 in 2014, but that’s not all Chicago has to celebrate. Second City, the comedy club that launched many of SNL’s greats, turns 55 in 2014 too. Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, the stunning downtown skyline, the big city look with the Midwest heart, the food, and the people make it one of the best cities year round, any year. Just make sure to bring a scarf if you visit in the winter – they’re not kidding when they call it the Windy City!

Adelaide is often brushed aside in favor of Melbourne or Sydney, but while they’ve been duking it out, Adelaide has quietly become the real place to be. The Adelaide Festival, the Adelaide Fringe Festival, and the WOMADelaide are sporting and arts events that provide reason enough to visit, but in 2014 a multimillion-dollar project called the Adelaide Oval links central Adelaide with the surrounding parks. This means easier access to Australia’s best wine country.

New Zealand’s biggest city is often overlooked on the way to the south, but as the restaurant scene picks up, art galleries emerge and yachting becomes popular, there are more and more reasons to stay. Don’t miss the craft beers and food trucks, and look for the repurposed heritage buildings that add an edgy touch.